8000 miles to Mongolia on a Monkey bike 
By Wayne Barrett -
General news
20 May 2007 08:48
Wayne and Andy Barrett will, this summer, undertake one of the most arduous charity events ever conceived.
On July 21st they will set out on the annual charity event known as The Mongol Rally. Their journey involves travelling over 8000 miles from London to Mongolia on a motorbike under 125cc.
And if that doesn’t sound mad enough they hope to do it without any back up team, without satellite navigation equipment and while wearing huge fancy dress outfits.
To make the challenge even greater the 2 brothers, from Keighley, have chosen to complete the rally on small Jincheng Gorilla bikes supplied by long established Keighley bike dealer Colin Appleyard. In addition Easy Rider (Europe) Ltd are supplying a spares kit for each bike.
“Everyone thinks we’re completely barmy,” said Andy, “but Wayne did it last year solo on a Honda C90 and found the whole experience very moving and rewarding so this year I’ve decided to join him."
The brothers are hoping to raise £10,000 for the Christina Noble Children’s Foundation, a charity dedicated to the care of vulnerable children.
Wayne added “When I finished last year I was totally and utterly shattered but to see the plight of the children struggling to survive by living rough on the streets in temperatures that drop to –30 degrees in winter broke my heart. I vowed there and then to do the rally again and try and make a difference and gain more support for them by taking up such an extreme challenge.”
When local Coronation Street actor Peter Armitage, who plays Bill Webster and who is also a Colin Appleyard customer, heard of the rally he immediately pledged his support. He has donated Coronation Street memorabilia for auctioning.
Colin Appleyards Motorcycles Director Stuart Feeny commented, “What the lads are doing is absolutely amazing. They have been customers of ours for over 30 years and we are doing everything we can to help and support them. It is such a worthy cause.”
The rally, which leaves London on 21st July, crosses five mountain ranges and three deserts and must be completed in less than 6 weeks. On reaching Mongolia all the bikes, cars and equipment are auctioned off to raise extra money.
If you would like to sponsor Wayne and Andy you can donate online at www.justgiving.com/mongolmonkey or visit their website at www.londontomongolia.co.uk
